2016 Fantasy Baseball Rankings & ProjectionsCatcher #11

11. Derek Norris SDBA - .256HR - 15RBI - 61Runs - 61SB - 4

I did a pretty good job with my Norris' projections last year as I saw him as a potential sleeper among Catchers. A good reason for that was his year-by-year improvement in just about every single offensive statistic imaginable. Norris continued his growth in 2015 posting career highs in home runs (14), RBI (62), runs (65), hits (129), doubles (33) and games played (147).

Unlike most Padres' hitters, Norris seemed to do better in PETCO Park last season. In 251 home at bats Norris posted a .255 average, with nine home runs and posted a .316 OBP. In 264 road at bats Norris hit .246 with just five home runs and a .294 OBP. Most of his success can be attributed to his aggressive approach at the plate. The six-foot 210 pound Catcher posted a career high 45.6% swing rate in 2015. That aggressiveness led to a lot of success as well as some struggles as he posted a career low 6.3% walk rate and 8.9% HR/FB rate in 2015.

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Typically a slow-moving Catcher that puts the ball in play as much as Norris will more-often-than-not fail to get on base but Norris had a .310 BABIP last year. He now has three straight seasons with a BABIP of .300 or higher - a very uncommon stat for Catchers.